California modeling agency scouts for next client in Rochester WITH VIDEO

The Oakland Press/MONICA DRAKE
Katherine Dukaj (left) of Washington Township, a modeling hopeful, received an autograph by Calvin Klein model Myles Crosby, 18, at a recruiting event in downtown Rochester. The California-based TWO Management will be hosting another scouting event on Friday.

A California-based modeling agency, with clients posing for big-name advertisers such as Calvin Klein and Victoria Secret, is hoping to find the next "big thing" in Oakland County.

Luc Brinker, president of the agency TWO Management, said, "A model that is signed by TWO Management can expect a well-rounded, well-supported lengthy career filled with interesting and diverse opportunities."

Metamora native Vera Crosby, an agent with the company, returned to her home state last week to host a model scouting event in downtown Rochester.

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"They are signing two of my models I found in Texas right now. And since I was (in Oakland County), I thought -- there's so many beautiful people here. Why not do it here?" said Crosby, a graduate of Troy Athens High School.

Crosby said she's looking for someone "with swag -- with confidence, an aura."

The recruitment event will take place noon to 4 p.m. Friday at Avatal Salon, 419 S. Main St., in downtown Rochester. Crosby said she is looking for men and women age 16 to 22. Model hopefuls should wear fitted jeans, a white or black tank top or T-shirt and high heels for the women.

The first modeling recruitment event was held last Wednesday. Katherine Dukaj of Washington Township attended this scouting event in hopes to be signed with TWO Management.

"I always wanted to try modeling," said Dukaj, who graduated from Eisenhower High School in Shelby Township earlier this month.

Dukaj had to practice her catwalk for Crosby in high heels while Crosby snapped photos.

"I'm hoping (Crosby) can get my name out there," she said. "I want to build my way up."

Crosby, who also works in photography, said she caught the bug to work in modeling recruitment after she helped her son Myles, 18, get signed. Myles has been featured in Calvin Klein advertisements and, most recently, in a two-page spread in "ESPN the Magazine." Myles is the 11th ranked model in the world, according to Models.com.

Myles, who moved to Texas from Metamora four years ago with his mom, said: "(Vera) took pictures of me playing basketball with my brother in the backyard. Without me knowing it, she sent it to an agency in Dallas. I got signed by that agency, and, from there, things took off quick."

Myles said it's surreal when he opens up a magazine and sees his face.

"A year ago or two years ago, I never could have imagined that happening to me," he said.

Myles recently chose education over modeling after receiving a full-ride football scholarship to Southern Methodist University in Dallas. He is enrolled to start in the fall. In the next four years, he hopes to receive a degree in film and play for the NFL.

"I just want to be in that industry. I don't want to sit in a cubicle. That's just not me. I love to entertain people -- whether it's acting, music, sports or modeling," said Myles.

So now, his mother is hoping to find the "next Myles" and kick-start another young person's career like she did for her son.